Ayana Mathis (CRF 2017) has begun a conversation series called the Black Arts Dialogues. This program features a series of one-on-one conversations between Mathis and distinguished Black artists of various disciplines. From musicians to visual artists, filmmakers to fashion designers, actors to dancers, the Dialogues celebrate Black artists as thought leaders and culture makers who shape history, society, and aesthetics. BAD is a venue for artists to talk about their creative process, challenges, and goals, all within the larger context of Black art as a profound force in the US and around the world.

The series live-streams hour-long events once per semester, hosted by the African American and African Diaspora Studies Department at Columbia. Mathis launched the series in February with Jason Moran; you can view the first session here. The next session is on April 14th and the guest will be filmmaker Dee Rees; register here.